Ghostfish Brewing Kai Dog Red IPA

Transcend Your Limits With Ghostfish Brewing

Based in Seattle, WA

I’ve wanted to get my hands on this brew for awhile now. How come? Because so far I’ve loved everything from Ghostfish. Why else? Because the mascot of the brew is a dark red golden retriever just like Neela! Their boy Kai looks just like my girl….in her younger days.

We don’t have many Ghostfish reviews on this blog yet, largely due to the fact that they haven’t been distributed to my area…until now. I just received word that new distribution channels are opening up, so if you’re in the PNW, keep your eyes peeled!

The Taste Test

Kai Dog Red IPA

The hue of this beer is a deep cloudy reddish brown. It pours with a beautiful head and smells very very malty with a healthy dose of hops. Let’s just say…it smells like a heavier-bodied beer.

I was right about the body. It’s texture is similar to chocolate, thick and smooth…but with a sharp hoppy kick. Speaking of hops…the Kai Red Dog IPA is an extremely hoppy and bitter beer. (Just my kind of ale!) I personally love the intensity of the hops, but it’s definitely worth noting that it’s best suited for those who like it bitter…like me. My mouth even feels a little dry after drinking it.

The flavors of this brew are strong. It’s one of those “stand alone” beers best appreciated solo, without competing flavors. You know how some beers are just background-beers, flavor-wise. The type of beer you can throw back throughout your meal. Well…in my opinion, this one deserves your full attention during enjoyment. It’s a pretty strong ale.

If it were from any other brewery, I would be delightfully surprised at their ability to master such hearty gluten free offering…but to be completely honest–I’m not surprised at all, as this is just Ghostfish’s style. And they do it very well. I’ve had enough of them to recognize their undeniable gift for body and flavor.

Boy am I lucky to live on the west coast.

I looked up the IBU count out of curiosity…it clocks in at 70 IBU. I wasn’t kidding about it being bitter, huh? It also has a 6% ABV and is bottled as a springtime limited release in 22’s.

The grain used in this brew is a mix of millet, buckwheat, and rice. All malted, which explains the complex and very malty body.